Author: Davis, Miranda L.

PhD position on ecosystem effects of large herbivores on the Eurasian steppes

Posted on by
The Department of Conservation Biology at the University of Göttingen seeks highly qualified and motivated candidates (m/f/d) for a
PhD position
on ecosystem effects of large herbivores on the Eurasian steppes.
with 65% of a full position.  This position should be filled by 01 May 2026 and is initially available for three years. Salary: Pay grade E13 TV-L of the German system.
The successful candidate will contribute substantially to the project “Reconciling pastoralism, ecosystem functioning and biodiversity on the Kazakh steppe” (RePasKa), funded by the German Ministry of Research, Technology and Space (BMFTR) [final funding confirmation expected in February 2026] and the University of Göttingen. This project is implemented by a consortium of several partners, including close collaboration with the Association for the Conservation of Biodiversity of Kazakhstan (ACBK).
The PhD position will be co-supervised by international experts in the thematic area, Dr. Erick Lundgren (University of Alberta, Canada) and Jonas Trepel (University of Aarhus, Denmark).
The goals of the project are to i) disentangle the impact of wild, (re)introduced and native herbivores on biodiversity and ecosystem functioning, ii) to link foraging behaviour of different wild and domestic ungulates to biodiversity and ecosystem functioning, iii) predict ecosystem responses to changing grazing systems on the steppe of Kazakhstan in a period of intense human-wildlife interactions.
Your tasks include:
To conduct a structured meta-analysis of published evidence; To support the set-up of livestock and Saiga antelope exclosures in the steppes and semi-deserts of Kazakhstan; To coordinate the sampling of biodiversity (incl. dung beetles, Orthoptera and plants) and ecosystem properties (biomass, carbon stocks) in Kazakhstan; To synthesize and analyse the collected datasets and publish peer-review papers; To coordinate field tandem teams of German and Kazakhstani undergraduates.
We are looking for a highly motivated, open-minded person with the following background and qualifications:
MSc in Landscape Ecology, Environmental Sciences, Biology, Zoology, Geography, or similarly relevant fields of study; Strong quantitative background, advanced skills in R or similar languages; Strong theoretical and applied background in ecology or global change biology; Experience with the analysis of larger datasets; Species knowledge, ecological knowledge and sampling/surveying experience of invertebrates; Excellent communication skills, very good English language skills in written and spoken form, confident public appearance; Awareness of the importance of participation, diversity, and equal opportunities.
In addition, the following skills and experiences are advantages:
Previous experience with meta-analysis; Knowledge of grazing ecology in arid landscapes and/or human-wildlife conflict; Kazakh or Russian language skills; Previous fieldwork in remote areas and off-road driving skills.
We offer close integration into the young and international teams of project partners and supervisors. Göttingen is a medium-sized university town with a high quality of life. The renowned University of Göttingen offers excellent networking opportunities in the three “green” faculties of Biology, Agricultural Sciences, and Forestry.
The University of Göttingen is an equal opportunities employer and places particular emphasis on fostering career opportunities for women. Qualified women are therefore strongly encouraged to apply in fields in which they are underrepresented. The university has committed itself to being a family-friendly institution and supports their employees in balancing work and family life. The university is particularly committed to the professional participation of severely disabled employees and therefore welcomes applications from severely disabled people. In the case of equal qualifications, applications from people with severe disabilities will be given preference. A disability or equality is to be included in the application in order to protect the interests of the applicant.
Please send your application as a combined pdf file to Ms. Andrea Lambertz (alamber@gwdg.de) by the application deadline on 28th February 2026, consisting of:
Copies of academic certificates; A motivation letter including relevant experiences; CV, incl. a publication list, if applicable; A short writing example, e.g. a part of a MSc thesis; Contact details of two persons willing to provide a reference.
For inquiries about the job posting, please contact Prof. Johannes Kamp (johannes.kamp@uni-goettingen.de).
— Prof. Dr. Johannes Kamp Department of Conservation Biology University of Göttingen Bürgerstr. 50, room 1.114 37073 Göttingen Germany phone: ++49 (0)551 39 25207 web:https://www.uni-goettingen.de/conservation

PhD Positions in Water Quality/Stream Biogeochemistry

Posted on by
The Speir Lab at the University of Arkansas is hiring 1-2 PhD students for a summer start! We are looking for folks specifically with a background in water quality, aquatic biogeochemistry, stream ecology, or a similar aquatic-related field.

The selected candidate(s) will either be working on the Arkansas Discovery Watershed Program (ADW) or the impacts of switching from conventional fertilizer to biochard amended poutlry litter on water quality.  The specific focus will be determined based on the Speir Lab’s needs and the student’s interests, but may include varying nutrients (N vs. P) or sediments, time scales, and spatial scales, as well as a combination of both experimental and field studies.

Students in the Speir Lab receive extensive training in water chemistry analysis, foundational stream ecology methods, and scicomm. We also conduct regular year-round field work (~1-2x per week – even when it’s cold, raining, etc!). Students will attend conferences to present their work.
Critical Requirements: Must be able to start in late May or beginning of June and be a U.S. citizen (per the granting agency requirements). Additionally, please be aware that the CSES department requires all doctoral students to have a master’s degree conferred before beginning a PhD.

If you are interested and meet the requirements detailed above, please contact Dr. Shannon Speir (slspeir@uark.edu) prior to applying to discuss your fit with the lab. Include a detailed description of your past research experience (if applicable), why you’d like to join the lab, and your curriculum vitae/resume. For more info about the lab, visit https://speirlab.weebly.com/.

Paid undergraduate plant ecology research experience at Cedar Creek Ecosystem Science Reserve

Posted on by
The Isbell Biodiversity Lab at the University of Minnesota is hiring a team of 5 undergraduate and post-baccalaureate research interns to assist with ecological field work at Cedar Creek Ecosystem Science Reserve located in East Bethel, MN. The intern team will work together to collect data and perform experimental maintenance in multiple ongoing and new field experiments at Cedar Creek. The Isbell lab has several ecological research projects that consider the effects of global environmental changes (e.g. habitat loss and fragmentation, nutrient enrichment, climate change, exotic species invasions) on grassland plant communities, biodiversity and ecosystems. Interns also have the opportunity to participate in a research program at Cedar Creek, involving a group research project, workshops, seminars, and career panels, offering excellent opportunities to grow as a scientist. Positions begin in June and last through August/September (flexible on dates).
Please share this paid research internship opportunity for Summer 2026 with undergraduate students in your departments and classes! Please search job code #371979 on the U of M job site for more information and to apply.
Application Deadline – February 20th, 2026

Migratory Shorebird Research Technician (2 openings)

Posted on by
We are looking to hire two (2) full-time field technicians to assist with a research project on migratory shorebird ecology during the spring and fall migration seasons in the Virginia barrier island system. Our research will add to a long-term dataset on the foraging ecology of the state and federally-threatened Red Knot (Calidris canutus rufa) and contribute to our long-term data on Black-bellied Plovers (Pluvialis squatarola) and Piping Plovers (Charadrius melodus). We will evaluate the impacts of anthropogenic habitat modification from a shoreline stabilization project on Wallops Island, VA on the above species. The position will be based out of a field station or rental house in Accomack County or near Chincoteague Island, VA. This project is one of multiple shorebird and seabird projects based at Virginia Tech in the Department of Fish and Wildlife Conservation, and there may be opportunities to assist in other regional research projects during the season. Please visit www.vtshorebirds.org and https://fishwild.vt.edu/ for more information about research and conservation at Virginia Tech. Our group is committed to building an inclusive and diverse team where differences are valued and encouraged!
This position will run from April 14st to October 24th (dates are flexible) with the possibility of extension through the winter season in Blacksburg, VA (where Virginia Tech is located). The work will primarily consist of fieldwork, a moderate amount of lab work, and some office work. Fieldwork will require variable hours, such as early mornings, late afternoons, and some weekends. Technicians will gain experience identifying shorebirds, conducting point count surveys, and collecting data and scientific samples in the field. This position involves working in a remote wilderness-like location, occasionally in adverse conditions (e.g. heat, cold, humidity, wind, rain, and biting insects) and requires hiking long distances over sand and mud while carrying and pulling heavy field gear. Technicians must be able to prepare for and spend long, physically, and mentally demanding days outside and walk up to 8 miles per day in various terrains while carrying up to 15-20 lbs. Because of the remoteness of some of our sampling sites, our ability to go out in the field is determined by boat availability, tides, wind, and weather events and thus the times and days of the week that we will work are variable. This means that fieldwork could be canceled or changed at any time, thus we highly appreciate the qualities of flexibility, patience, and positivity.
Check out this 2-min video from VT news that is a great example of what working on our project is like!: https://news.vt.edu/videos/k/2024/10/1_4ex1ivr9.html
Compensation is $18/hour. Shared housing and transportation to and from field sites will be provided. Because several of our field sites are under the domain of the U.S. government, you must be able to pass a required background check. The start date can be flexible through the beginning of May for those still taking classes as an undergraduate.
Required qualifications/skills:
Working towards, or having received, a B.S. degree in wildlife science, biology, environmental science, natural resource management, or a related field. Must be capable of working outside daily under rigorous field conditions and walking up to 8 miles per day over sand while carrying research equipment (approximately 15-20 lbs.). Must have a valid U.S. driver’s license and safe driving record.
Must be capable of passing a federal background check.
Desired interpersonal skills:
Ability to live and work with a team of people, maintaining a respectful and inclusive atmosphere with co-workers and colleagues.  Ability to follow instructions and appropriate research protocols, and communicate any confusion or concerns to supervisors or co-workers.
Ability to maintain a positive attitude during potentially long field days, irregular work hours, and flexible work schedules.
Desired qualifications:
Shorebird/seabird identification, band resighting, or other experience conducting avian surveys.  Experience working under a threatened/endangered species permit. Experience operating and/or working on and around boats. Experience driving 4-wheel drive vehicles, trailering, and beach driving.
Using GIS software for field data collection (such as ArcGIS Collector/Field Maps).
Please send a statement of interest, a CV, and contact information for three professional references in a single PDF to Chelsea Sweeney at cweithm@vt.edu. Please name files ‘Last name_first name_Migratory shorebird technician’. The positions will remain open until filled. Please feel free to contact us with any questions.

PhD Position in Aquatic Ecosystem Ecology – University of North Texas

Posted on by
Project: A doctoral position is available for an independent and motivated student with a background in ecology, environmental science, fisheries, or related fields. The student will participate in a collaborative, multi-institution NSF-funded research project to understand the patterns and drivers of organism size-structure in macroinvertebrate and fish food webs of stream ecosystems. The project aims to determine how individual metabolic scaling and trophic structure relate to the distribution of body sizes and energy flow through stream food webs. The student will have the opportunity to work in a variety of streams across North America within the National Ecological Observatory Network (NEON) and gain experience in the application of stable isotopes, respirometry, and Bayesian inferential frameworks.
The position will be available starting in summer of 2026, but there is flexibility in the start date for fall 2026 for qualified applicants.
The project leader, Dr. Jim Junker, works within a diverse and collaborative research group at the University of North Texas exploring aquatic ecosystems from biogeochemistry to food web ecology across a wide variety of scales. The lab group values diversity and seeks to build an inclusive lab environment.
Compensation: Funds are available to support research activities and doctoral student salary and tuition. It is expected that support will come from a combination of research and teaching assistantships and that students will apply for appropriate fellowships and scholarships. Doctoral students on UNT assistantships are provided health insurance through the university’s health insurance plan.
Eligibility: Candidates with a Master’s degree in a relevant field are preferred; however, consideration will be given to exceptional candidates with a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field. Competitive candidates will have experience working in field settings; strong statistical and modelling skills, including experience in the R computing environment; and excellent interpersonal and writing skills. The position requires eligibility to operate a motor vehicle in the U.S.
The student will be enrolled in the PhD program in the Department of Biological Sciences at the University of North Texas in Denton, TX.
Application process: Application review will begin on February 10, 2026 and the position will remain open until filled.
To apply, please send application materials to Dr. Jim Junker (james.junker [at] unt.edu) with the subject, “PhD application: aquatic ecosystem ecology”. Packets should include a single PDF with 1) cover letter describing your interest in the project, relevant experience, and career goals, 2) your CV, 3) the names and contact details of three (3) references, and 4) unofficial transcripts.

Graduate Student Partial Scholarships at Antioch University

Posted on by
Antioch University is accepting applications to start your MS degree during the fall semester of 2026. MS Concentrations include Conservation Biology, Environmental Education, and Advocacy for Social Justice and Sustainability. In Conservation Biology, students focus on gaining quantitative (GIS and statistics), writing, and ecological field skills. Students also gain experience with community engagement, social justice, and applied research and service.
Students can earn their graduate degree with either face-to-face classes at the Antioch University New England campus in Keene, NH, USA, or fully online classes (that can be taken from anywhere) which are offered each semester, or with a mixture of the two. Ecological field trip classes (intensive 1-2 week trips to destinations abroad and in-country) are also available for all students. All classes are just 1-2 days a week, making this a viable program for environmental professionals working part or full-time. Our programs are student-centered, flexible, and tailored to meet your individual needs, learning style, and location.
Students often work with Antioch faculty in our existing research programs. Specifically in our Conservation Biology concentration, we have expertise in vertebrate ecology (e.g., birds, snakes), invertebrate ecology (e.g., estuarine invertebrates, insects), tropical ecology, forest ecology, alpine ecology, marine ecology, and coastal restoration. In some cases, faculty may have extramural funding to support students in seasonal field and lab positions, including research in New England and in the Caribbean. Students who are eligible for US federal work-study can also work part time in various on-campus work-study positions, including Graduate Teaching and Research Assistantships and various positions in our numerous campus centers (e.g., Institute for International Conservation, Spatial Analysis Lab). However, you need to be accepted and taking classes as a graduate student to be eligible for these work-study positions. Students at Antioch generally pay for at least part of their own tuition, but we offer numerous university-wide grants and scholarships, which can help defray tuition costs, and which are detailed here: https://www.antioch.edu/admission-aid/financial-aid/scholarships-and-grants/ . We also work with students to help them apply for external scholarships, fellowships, and research-focused grants.
Join our tight-knit community as we strive to advance social and environmental justice, conserve biodiversity, and mitigate climate change as a department and as a university! For more information about our programs, visit our webpages (https://www.antioch.edu/academics/program-finder?_sft_focus=environmental-studies-sustainability ,  https://www.antioch.edu/academics/environmental-studies-sustainability/environmental-studies-ms/conservation-biology-es-ms/ ) or contact Melissa Baptiste, Admissions Counselor, at mbaptiste (at) antioch.edu.

Biodiversity and Conservation Genomics (BCG) Training Program – Applications due Feb 2nd!

Posted on by

Please share this announcement widely with course listservs, research labs, and interested students. Applications are now open through February 2nd.
—-

The Biodiversity and Conservation Genomics (BCG) Training Program, led by the Institute for Systems Genomics in collaboration with research laboratories in Ecology & Evolutionary Biology (EEB) and Molecular & Cell Biology (MCB), is now accepting applications for its fifth cohort. This year-long program runs from summer 2026 through spring 2027 and provides an integrated research and training experience in conservation genomics.

As genomic data become increasingly central to conservation and restoration efforts, BCG is designed for highly motivated undergraduates interested in applying genomic and computational approaches to real-world conservation challenges. Trainees receive hands-on experience in academic research laboratories and work closely with non-governmental organizations and government agencies actively engaged in species conservation and management.

Since 2021, the BCG program has trained 29 undergraduate researchers in bioinformatics, genome biology, molecular biology, and scientific writing. Participants have contributed to the development of two open-source software tools and the generation of reference genomes for 27 threatened species across North America and beyond.

No prior research or coding experience is required. Students from all majors are encouraged to apply.

• Learn more about the Biodiversity and Conservation Genomics Center: https://isg.uconn.edu/biodiversity/
• Learn more about the application process (due Feb 2nd) and training program: https://isg.uconn.edu/biodiversity/conservation-training/

Jobs: ChicagoBotanicGarden.PlantConservation.ResExperiences

Posted on by

The Chicago Botanic Garden is now accepting applications for the 2026 Plant Biology & Conservation Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) program. This full-time, 10-week NSF-funded summer program provides undergraduates with hands-on research experience in plant biology and conservation, with projects spanning topics from genetics to ecosystems.
The program includes a $7,000 stipend, travel assistance, and housing during required on-site weeks. The program runs from June 15-August 21, 2026, and may begin with a virtual first week.

Eligible applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents and currently enrolled undergraduate students. We particularly encourage applications from early-stage undergraduates and students from institutions with limited research opportunities.

Application deadline: February 16, 2026
More information: https://nam10.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fpbcinternships.org%2Fsummer-reasearch-internship&data=05%7C02%7Cmid14018%40ad.uconn.edu%7C0421a3717ff14d71ea7608de3ef4c11b%7C17f1a87e2a254eaab9df9d439034b080%7C0%7C0%7C639017418105484100%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=DuttcTewaaBYB3%2FaK2yqmAyFSRZk9vXcCW7%2F4ZHJb8o%3D&reserved=0
Application link: https://nam10.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fetap.nsf.gov%2Faward%2F7347%2Fopportunity%2F11623&data=05%7C02%7Cmid14018%40ad.uconn.edu%7C0421a3717ff14d71ea7608de3ef4c11b%7C17f1a87e2a254eaab9df9d439034b080%7C0%7C0%7C639017418105517136%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=1KjM0%2Bre8kmgfPCHyxCZN2wP1ILqxxQNvfd2NDKrNIo%3D&reserved=0

Graduate position in freshwater fish evolution

Posted on by

Graduate position in freshwater fish evolution The Mandeville Lab at Northern Michigan University is recruiting a MS student to work on the evolutionary genomics of freshwater fish (start date fall 2026).

Research in our lab focuses on how evolutionary processes shape freshwater fish biodiversity.  Specific project topic will depend on the interests of the successful candidate, but possible focus areas include hybridization, effects of anthropogenic disturbance, population connectivity, and the evolution of fish sex determination mechanisms. We work on many different groups of freshwater fish, including but not limited to suckers, whitefish, dace, and leuciscid minnows. Please see our lab website for additional information and recent publications:
https://nam10.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Flizmandeville.github.io%2F&data=05%7C02%7Cmid14018%40ad.uconn.edu%7C3312ebb25e614564798108de325e08fd%7C17f1a87e2a254eaab9df9d439034b080%7C0%7C0%7C639003576626804694%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=CTXBpwURk%2BWYahSmOc94THA5RhLQB3eefkCWd%2B74b0Q%3D&reserved=0.

Candidates interested in evolution, fish biology, ecology, genetics, conservation, or related fields are encouraged to apply. Desired qualifications include strong writing skills, excellent critical thinking, and the ability to balance working independently and collaboratively. All projects will involve analysis of high resolution genomic data, requiring computational approaches and high performance computing. No prior computational experience is required, but applicants without previous experience must be enthusiastic about building their computational skills. The Mandeville Lab is an inclusive environment that supports researchers with diverse identities, and encourages applications from students who are members of historically excluded groups.

NMU is located in Marquette, Michigan, in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. Marquette is a small but vibrant city on the southern shore of Lake Superior, located close to beautiful natural areas. It’s a great place to live and work, and the proximity to many of our field sites enables us to do satisfying work integrating ecological and evolutionary questions.

To apply, please send a letter of interest, CV, transcript (unofficial is fine), and contact in- formation for three references to Dr. Liz Mandeville, lmandevi@nmu.edu. Review of applications will begin immediately, and will continue until a suitable candidate is identified. Please apply by Dec. 15 for full consideration.

PhD positions: “Improving human–wildlife coexistence” 

Posted on by
PhD positions: “Improving human–wildlife coexistence”
University of St Andrews, UK
closing date: 06 January 2026
Are you interested in movement ecology, animal tracking, human–wildlife interactions, conservation science, and/or environmental planning? There is an exciting opportunity to contribute to a major new project on sustainable human–wildlife coexistence in terrestrial environments, developed in close partnership with the National Geographic Society.
For further details and information on how to apply, please see the advert on FindAPhD (see link above).
Informal enquiries can be sent, with CV, to the project lead and supervisor, Professor Christian Rutz (christian.rutz@st-andrews.ac.uk).
Please share widely.